In Ukraine, a scheme of corruption in the procurement of timber has been uncovered

• Several officials have been detained for corruption in the procurement of timber.
• The independence of anti-corruption agencies was restored after the protests.
• The Minister of Internal Affairs initiated an internal investigation among the National Guardsmen.

As part of the investigation into the corruption scheme related to the procurement of military timber and the system of radio-electronic warfare, several officials have been detained in Ukraine. According to anti-corruption agencies, state contracts were signed with suppliers at inflated prices of up to 30%.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that among those detained is a people's deputy, heads of local administrations, and representatives of the National Guard. He emphasized the necessity of eliminating corruption and praised anti-corruption agencies for their work.

The restoration of the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office became possible after mass protests that took place in Ukraine. Notably, on September 2, Parliament returned these agencies their powers after attempts to subordinate them to their general prosecutor.

The Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko announced the internal investigation and the prosecution of National Guard officials who were involved in the corruption scheme. A new subdivision for controlling combat activities in the National Guard has also been created.

These events are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing struggles in Ukraine against corruption in the context of European integration. It is noted that anti-corruption agencies were established at the request of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund in 2014.

Tags: Ukraine/Politics/Crime